When you’re pregnant, it can feel like your world is turned upside down. Suddenly, everything is different and you have to figure out what’s best for your baby. And one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is when do babies move out of infant car seats. While it might seem like a simple decision at first, there are actually a few factors to consider. For example, does your baby are old enough to sit in a regular seatbelt without being restrained? Is your car big enough to accommodate a larger seat? And most importantly, do you trust your baby to be safe if they are not in an infant car seat? Ultimately, making the decision to move your baby out of an infant car seat is a personal one that you and your doctor should discuss. But with some careful thought and research, you should be able to make the right choice for both you and your child.
How Babies Move
Babies start to move around more and more as they get older. This is a natural process that happens in all babies, no matter what their age. Some babies start moving sooner than others, but it’s usually around six to eight months old when most of them start to become mobile.
Babies usually move around in circular patterns at first. They may wiggle and squirm around a lot, as if they’re trying to find a way out. Then, over time, they’ll start to explore their surroundings more systematically and move in straight lines or circles less frequently.
Some babies might only move a little bit at first, but eventually they’ll get more active and learn how to use their bodies better. As they grow, babies will continue to develop movement skills until the age of two or three years old.
When To Transition Your Baby Out of an Infant Car Seat
There’s no one answer to this question, as it depends on your child’s age, development and weight. But here are some general tips to help you make the transition:
—When your baby can sit up unaided, start gradually moving him or her out of the infant car seat. This may mean waiting until your baby is able to support his or her own head and body completely in a seated position for at least a few minutes, rather than immediately removing the car seat.
—If your baby is still using an infant car seat for safety reasons (e.g., if he or she is too young or small to use a regular seat), continue using it until he or she outgrows the need for its protection.
—Keep in mind that infants who are transitioning out of an infant car seat typically grow rapidly during their first year, so be patient and let them do their thing!
What to Expect If You Transition Your Baby Out of an Infant Car Seat
When it comes time to let your baby move out of their infant car seat, there are a few things to expect.
First and foremost, babies will gradually start to pull themselves up and sit unsupported. This is completely normal and happens around 12-18 months old. It’s important not to force your baby into this process prematurely as this could lead to problems down the road.
If you have recently transitioned your baby out of an infant car seat, we recommend taking them for a short walk around the block as soon as possible after they’re freed from the seat in order to get their body moving and help them develop muscle memory.
If you’ve been using an infant car seat for more than 6 months (or if you’re unsure if your baby has had their last feeding sitting in an infant car seat), then it’s likely that they are ready to move on from the device. In this case, take them for a short stroll around the block without their car seat and observe how they behave – if all goes well, you can then safely remove the car seat from their vehicle and congratulate yourself on a job well done!
How to Prepare for the Transition
When your baby begins to move around more and starts to learn to crawl, he or she is ready to graduate from an infant car seat. However, there are some things you can do in advance to make the transition as smooth as possible:
1. Remove any blankets, pillows, toys or other objects that could get caught in the car seat and potentially injure your baby.
2. Make sure all safety straps are tight and properly adjusted.
3. Get a new car seat if yours is too old or no longer meets current safety standards. New cars often come with built-in features that make them better equipped for newborns and infants.
4. Evaluate your home environment for potential hazards (elevators, stairs, narrow doorways) that could harm your baby in case of a fall or accident. If necessary, take measures to protect your child (like installing baby gates).